In a decisive move to bolster cleanliness and improve solid waste management, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has now made the segregation of waste compulsory for every household and commercial establishment in the city.
Strict Directives and Hefty Penalties Announced
Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar issued clear instructions on Monday, directing the medical officer of health and all staff involved in door-to-door garbage collection. He stated that only segregated waste will be lifted by the MC's collection vehicles. The commissioner emphasized that handing over mixed, non-segregated waste will now attract penalties under the relevant sections of the Municipal Corporation Act.
The financial disincentives are significant. Defaulters found giving mixed waste will face fines ranging from ₹500 to a substantial ₹13,500 per violation. To ensure the rule is strictly followed, drivers of garbage collection vehicles have been tasked with maintaining a register. This register will record the details of households and establishments that fail to provide properly separated waste.
Enforcement Through Checks and Citizen Awareness
The administration is adopting a twin strategy of enforcement and education. Commissioner Kumar stated that random checks will be conducted by officers at all levels to monitor compliance. Furthermore, strict action will be taken against any MC employee found ignoring or violating these instructions.
Simultaneously, the corporation plans to intensify its IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities. The goal is to widely educate citizens about the importance and methods of waste segregation at the source. However, alongside this awareness drive, mandatory challaning (issuing fines) will be enforced to ensure the rules are taken seriously.
A Call for Public Cooperation
The Municipal Corporation has made a strong appeal to all residents and commercial entities in Chandigarh. They are urged to cooperate with this crucial initiative for a cleaner city. The primary requirement is for everyone to separate their wet and dry waste at the point of generation itself before handing it over to sanitation workers.
This policy shift aims to streamline waste processing, increase recycling, and reduce the burden on landfills. The success of Chandigarh's enhanced solid waste management system now hinges on effective public participation coupled with consistent enforcement by the authorities.
